Utah Supreme Court opens court session to all in appearance at USU - 1 On Monday’s court docket are appeals of two cases that Utah Supreme Court opens have attracted media coverage. State v. Huizen (case no. 20170304-SC) involves a 16- court session to all in year-old boy who was ordered to stand trial as an adult for an armed robbery in Weber County. The Utah Court appearance at USU of Appeals overturned the earlier decision, noting that the juvenile court judge should have recused herself because her husband was part of the prosecution team. 03/14/2018 The second case, Teamsters Local 222 v. Utah Transit Authority (case no. 20170208-SC), will look at whether rail operations supervisors are “employees” for the purpose of collective bargaining. Peacock noted that while the courtroom itself may be makeshift, the proceedings themselves are authentic. “This is not a mock trial. These are real litigants, with real interests, and real lawyers arguing on their behalf,” he said. “This should be a thoroughly educational experience for those who are unfamiliar with just how the actual world The rotunda of the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City, of litigation works.” the usual residence of the Utah Supreme Court. The five justices will hear oral arguments in a provisional courtroom Chief Justice Durrant recognized the Law and at USU on March 19. Constitutional Studies program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “We are grateful to USU For more information and to download the briefs, for helping students gain a better understanding of our visit chass.usu.edu/court laws and Constitution,” he said. The program, which was The Utah Supreme Court is traveling north Monday, developed by Peacock, is in its 16th year. March 19, to conduct its usual business in what will be the justices’ first Logan-based court session in known history. Peacock echoed the sentiment of appreciation. “Kudos to the justices for their willingness to do this for our students The five justices will hear oral arguments in two cases in a and everyone else here,” he said. provisional courtroom on the stage at the Russell/Wanlass The Supreme Court’s newest justice is Paige Petersen, Performance Hall. The first case begins at 10:30 a.m., with who was sworn in last December. She’s a graduate of the the second at 11:20 a.m. A question-and-answer session former College of Eastern Utah, now USU-Eastern, and with the justices will follow. The event is free and open to the daughter of Michael Petersen, a lecturer in Political all students and community members. Science at USU-Tooele. “We are excited for students and faculty at Utah State In addition to Durrant and Petersen, the five-member University to experience first-hand a Supreme Court bench includes Thomas R. Lee, Deno Himonas and John session,” Chief Justice Matthew Durrant said in a Pearce. Justice Pearce has recused himself from State v. statement. Van Huizen. His place on the bench will be filled by First District Court Judge Brian Cannell. Anthony Peacock, department head of Political Science, said he’s pleased and proud to welcome the Supreme For more information and to download the briefs, visit Court justices to campus. chass.usu.edu/court “What’s particularly valuable about the justices’ willingness Related links: to sit and hear appeals at USU is that it will give students College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and others the opportunity to see two real lawsuits being argued,” he said. Writer and contact: Janelle Hyatt, [email protected], 435-797-0289.